Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:21 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Operate an extraction process

Operate an extraction process

Unit of competency
National Code
FDFPH2003A
State Code
D4678
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/01/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate, adjust and shut down processes used to extract phytochemicals from plant material using solvents.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare the extraction equipment and process for operation
  • 1.1. Materials are confirmed, blended and prepared to meet production requirements
  • 1.2. Workplace documentation relevant to work area activities is identified and followed
  • 1.3. The required facilities, storage, equipment and personnel are available
  • 1.4. Line clearance procedures have been carried out
  • 1.5. Procedures to eliminate or control the risk of cross-contamination are followed
  • 1.6. Material is loaded into percolator and solvents are added to specification
2. Operate and monitor the extraction process
  • 2.1. The extraction process is monitored to confirm that specifications are met
  • 2.2. Out-of-specification product/process is identified, rectified and/or reported to maintain the process within specification
  • 2.3. The work area is maintained according to housekeeping standards
  • 2.4. Work is conducted according to environmental standards
  • 2.5. Workplace documentation is maintained according to workplace reporting requirements
3. Shut down the extraction process
  • 3.1. The process is shut down according to workplace procedures and work practices
  • 3.2. Maintenance requirements are identified and reported according to workplace reporting requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Work activities are carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements and industrial awards and agreements
Legislative requirements
Legislative requirements are typically reflected in procedures and specifications. Legislation relevant to this industry includes:
legislative and licensing requirements
Therapeutic Goods Act
weights and measures legislation
legislation relating to OHS, environmental management, equal opportunity and affirmative action, industrial awards and agreements
Workplace documentation
Workplace documentation relevant to work area activities include:
specifications
manufacturing formulae
processing instructions
batch production records
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
OHS information, including material safety data sheets (MSDS)
Equipment
Equipment may include:
blenders/mixers
percolators
tamping rods
collection vessels
Extraction process
Solvents used in the extraction process may be:
aqueous and/or alcohol based (temperature may or may not be applied during extraction process)
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
Assessment may occur in a real or simulated workplace context. Where a simulated environment is used, it should provide access to workplace documentation, and a typical range of extraction solvents, material and equipment.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
prepare the extraction process for operation, including following line clearance procedures
load materials and solvents to maximise extract collection
monitor the extraction process
maintain all necessary records.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
workplace documentation relating to concentration process and procedures.

Method of assessment
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, including all elements, performance criteria, and required skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessment of this unit would typically involve observation of the operator preparing, operating and shutting down the extraction process to meet production requirements. Observation should be sufficient to confirm consistent performance.

Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAO15 FBPPHM3006 Operate an extraction process Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D679 FDF20211 Certificate II in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Qualification